California Gov. Gavin Newsom is promoting his state’s clean-energy leadership on the global stage — even as Californians continue facing the nation’s highest gas prices, much of which stem from state environmental regulations.
“While climate change may not resonate, I think affordability matters,” Newsom said earlier this month in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle before departing for Brazil. “When you talk about energy efficiency, you’re talking about saving money.”
Newsom is attending the COP30 United Nations climate summit in Belém, Brazil — a gathering typically attended by federal officials. The current administration chose not to participate, as President Donald Trump continues to dismiss climate change as “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.”
When asked whether California was filling the U.S. leadership void at the summit, Newsom responded, “Absolutely,” noting that the state is viewed internationally as a “stable partner” in climate action.
His office highlighted the state’s progress, noting greenhouse gas emissions are down 21% since 2000 while GDP has grown 81%, and that California was powered by two-thirds clean energy in 2023.
High Prices at the Pump
Despite climate milestones, Californians are paying more than anyone else to fill up. Current average gas prices sit at $4.67 per gallon, ahead of Hawaii, Washington, Nevada and Oregon. The timing could strain family budgets during the upcoming holiday travel surge, as road trips ramp up nationwide.
The White House blasted the governor’s performance in comments to Fox News Digital, criticizing high energy costs and alleging failed leadership.
Newsom’s office countered, arguing that adjusted for inflation, California gas prices are lower today than in 2019 and pointing to billions in statewide utility rebates tied to climate policies.
The California Natural Resources Agency separately noted that overall household energy costs — including transportation — are lower in California than in more than a dozen other states, many of them Republican-led.
Why California Pays More
The U.S. Energy Information Administration attributes California’s premium pricing to multiple factors:
• higher state taxes and fees
• environmental regulations and compliance costs
• special cleaner-burning fuel formulas unique to the state
As of March 2025, drivers pay roughly $0.90 extra per gallon due to taxes and fees, plus an estimated $0.54 per gallon linked to emissions compliance.
Meanwhile, the national average gas price is approximately $3.08, with Oklahoma leading the nation at just $2.48 per gallon, followed by other similarly low-cost southern states including Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.
Ongoing Energy Policy Clash
Newsom and Trump have repeatedly collided over environmental rules, water management and vehicle standards. Recent actions by Trump included overturning California mandates on diesel engines and electric-vehicle sales — moves Newsom has vowed to fight.
As speeches continue at the Brazil summit, the divide between California’s globally focused clean-energy ambitions and frustrations felt at home over rising costs remains front and center.
